Two Editorial Job Opportunities at Sky & Telescope
Sky & Telescope is seeking an Associate Editor with deep observing skills to join its editorial team in its Cambridge, MA, office. The Associate Editor handles a broad range of duties, including but not limited to: editing and writing observing-related articles for the monthly print magazine; creating news stories and other content for skyandtelescope.com; and co-editing S&T’s annual SkyWatch publication and Observing Calendar. Reporting to the Editor in Chief, the Associate Editor will work closely with other members of the editorial and design teams as well as with S&T freelancers and subscribers.
If you like to be depended upon to help an organization deliver a core service, this may be the opportunity for you! Here’s what you’ll do:
Core Responsibilities:
* For each monthly issue, assign/edit or write observing or astronomy-history feature article
* Assign/edit monthly or bimonthly observing-related columns and/or departments
* Edit weekly observing column for website and write occasional blog posts and press releases on breaking observing news
* Co-edit two annual publications: Sky & Telescope’s Observing Calendar and SkyWatch (a single-issue magazine for beginner stargazers)
* Second-edit other editors’ articles, negotiate contracts with authors, acquire images/permissions, and handle other standard editorial tasks
* Represent S&T at annual NEAF trade show and occasional star parties
* Potentially assist with creating and possibly serving as S&T expert on tours
Our ideal candidate possesses:
* Minimum of 5 years’ experience in amateur astronomy-related or science journalism required
* Undergraduate or graduate degree(s) in astronomy preferred
* Deep, committed experience with all aspects of amateur observational astronomy — only serious amateur astronomers need apply
* Superior skills in writing/editing, reporting/researching, and fact-checking
* Facility interpreting and generating star charts and tables, and familiarity with other observing tools
* Aptitude for juggling tasks/priorities, meeting deadlines under steady pressure, and being highly organized and self-motivated
* Impeccable attention to detail, plus ability to quickly learn house style and systems
* Experience with Microsoft Office or comparable; WordPress and Adobe Creative Suite experience preferred
* Experience with amateur astronomy equipment and astrophotography preferred
* Enthusiasm, creativity, and collaborative spirit
Writing Samples:
Please submit 3-4 published writing samples with application.
Your efforts will be rewarded with challenging work and a competitive compensation and benefits package (including a pension plan that contributes 10% of your salary a year). If this sounds like a job for you, please reach out; we want to hear from you! All inquiries should be directed to Laura Donohoe at laura@peopleworksllc.com.
EDITORIAL ASSISTANT (FULL-TIME)
Sky & Telescope is seeking an Editorial Assistant to assist in editing and compiling sections of the magazine and website and to provide administrative and organizational support to the editorial team. This position is based at Sky & Telescope’s offices in Cambridge, MA.
If you like to be depended upon to help an organization deliver a core service, this may be the opportunity for you! Here’s what you’ll do:
* Handle administrative tasks related to magazine and special-issue production
* Confirm content rights before publication
* Reply to permissions requests and reader queries
* Keep the magazine index updated
* Compile and edit the magazine’s “From Our Readers” section (letters to the editor) and “75/50/25 Years Ago” section
* Assist with fact-checking, copyediting, and proofreading
* Write/edit blogs and book reviews
* Handle various organizing and office managerial tasks related to day-to-day office operations, including managing mail/packages/postage meter
* Problem-solving with customer service/warehouse regarding S&T products/customer queries
* Fulfill requests for star party door prizes, etc.
* Oversee S&T social media channels and help curate online content, including gallery images, for skyandtelescope.com
Our ideal candidate possesses:
* Bachelor’s Degree in journalism, astronomy, or related field required, or in lieu of that a minimum of 2 years’ work experience in communications or amateur astronomy
* Superb communication and writing/editing skills
* Extraordinary attention to detail
* Comfort with fast-paced deadlines
* Ability to organize and communicate information to others in a clear, professional manner
* Strong work ethic and willingness to take initiative as a self-starter
* Knowledge of astronomy preferred
* Excellent organizational skills with ability to prioritize tasks effectively.
Writing Samples:
Please submit 2-3 writing samples with application.
Your efforts will be rewarded with challenging work and a competitive compensation and benefits package (including a pension plan that contributes 10% of your salary a year). If this sounds like a job for you, please reach out; we want to hear from you! All inquiries should be directed to Laura Donohoe at laura@peopleworksllc.com.
Contact:
Peter Tyson
Editor in Chief, Sky & Telescope
+1 617-758-0240
ptyson@skyandtelescope.org
